Federal Trucking Laws & FMCSA Regulations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates the trucking industry to protect the public. Understanding these rules can strengthen your accident claim.
What is the FMCSA?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation. It oversees the safety of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs), which includes:
- • Semi-trucks and 18-wheelers
- • Buses (8+ passengers)
- • Tanker trucks
- • Delivery vehicles over 10,000 lbs
- • Hazmat carriers
- • Moving trucks
FMCSA regulations are found in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR). Violations can serve as evidence of negligence in accident lawsuits.
Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations
Driver fatigue is a leading cause of truck accidents. HOS rules limit how long drivers can operate before mandatory rest periods.
11-Hour Driving Limit
Drivers may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
14-Hour On-Duty Limit
Drivers cannot drive after being on duty for 14 hours (including non-driving work time).
30-Minute Break Requirement
Drivers must take at least a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving.
60/70-Hour Weekly Limit
Maximum 60 hours on duty in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days. A 34-hour restart resets the clock.
Sleeper Berth Provision
Drivers using sleeper berths can split their 10-hour off-duty period in specific ways.
🔍 ELD Mandate
Since 2017, most commercial trucks must use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) to automatically record driving hours. ELD data is crucial evidence in accident investigations.
Drug & Alcohol Testing Requirements
Commercial drivers are subject to strict drug and alcohol testing:
Pre-Employment
Required before any driver can perform safety-sensitive functions
Random Testing
50% of drivers tested for drugs annually, 10% for alcohol
Post-Accident
Required after accidents involving fatalities or citations
Reasonable Suspicion
When trained supervisors observe signs of impairment
BAC Limit: Commercial drivers have a blood alcohol limit of 0.04%—half the standard 0.08% limit. Any detectable alcohol within 4 hours of driving is also prohibited.
Maintenance & Inspection Standards
Pre-Trip Inspections
Before each trip, drivers must inspect:
- • Service brakes and parking brake
- • Steering mechanism
- • Lighting and reflectors
- • Tires (condition and pressure)
- • Horn and windshield wipers
- • Mirrors and emergency equipment
- • Coupling devices
- • Wheels and rims
Annual Inspections
All commercial vehicles must pass comprehensive annual inspections by qualified mechanics. Failed items must be repaired before the vehicle can operate.
Record Keeping
Companies must maintain maintenance records including inspection reports, repair records, and lubrication records. These documents can reveal patterns of neglect.
Weight & Size Limits
Federal Weight Limits
- 80,000 lbs - Maximum gross vehicle weight
- 20,000 lbs - Maximum single axle weight
- 34,000 lbs - Maximum tandem axle weight
Why Weight Matters
- • Overweight trucks have longer stopping distances
- • Increased risk of brake failure
- • Higher rollover risk on curves
- • Greater impact force in collisions
Cargo Securement Rules
FMCSA has detailed requirements for securing cargo to prevent shifting and spills:
- • General requirements: Cargo must be firmly immobilized and secured using appropriate tie-downs, blocking, and bracing
- • Minimum tie-downs: At least one tie-down for articles 5 feet or less, additional tie-downs for longer articles
- • Working load limits: Total working load limit must be at least 50% of cargo weight
- • Specific commodity rules: Special requirements for logs, metal coils, automobiles, heavy machinery, etc.
How FMCSA Violations Strengthen Your Case
When a trucking company or driver violates federal regulations, it can significantly benefit your accident claim:
Negligence Per Se
In many states, violating safety regulations is considered automatic negligence. You don't have to prove the defendant failed to act reasonably—the violation itself proves it.
Punitive Damages
Willful violations (like falsifying driver logs or ignoring known defects) may warrant punitive damages designed to punish egregious conduct.
Multiple Defendants
Violations can expose not just the driver, but the trucking company, maintenance providers, and cargo loaders to liability.
Pattern Evidence
A company's history of violations (available through FMCSA databases) can show a pattern of disregard for safety.
Were Federal Regulations Violated in Your Accident?
An experienced truck accident attorney can investigate violations and use them to maximize your compensation.
Get Free Case Review